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Nissan Pathfinder

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The Nissan Pathfinder is a big, rugged and fairly capable SUV that does owe rather more to the looks of the Land Rover Discovery than many corporate lawyers would deem strictly acceptable. No matter though, when it’s nowhere near as good.

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Although a fine-looking beast in isolation, the Pathfinder is always going to suffer from simply not being the Discovery that it wants to be. And even if you can ignore that, none of your friends will.

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Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 190 Tekna 5d

Price £35,715

BHP 190

LB FT 331

MPG 33

CO2 280

0-62 MPH 11.00

Top Speed 115

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What is it?

This Discovery rival gets close to its nemesis. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is punchy, the Pathfinder will go anywhere off-road, and it seats seven in comfort. Plus, it's very good value. But it's not nearly as posh inside or refined as a Disco.

Driving

With off-roading still a serious consideration for the Pathfinder, it's on road antics leave a lot to be desired. Plenty of body roll, slow, heavy steering and a bumpy ride leave this way behind the benchmark Disco.

With the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel up front the Pathfinder is slow.

On the inside

You can get a Pathfinder with seven seats, but that third row is one of those deeply token, kids only, affairs. Fold both sets or rear seats over, however, and you get over 2,000 litres of load space. That's a removals van.

Everything you see, hear and touch in the Pathfinder has a look, ring or feel of workmanlike durability about it. Even the seat fabric seems unusually hard wearing.

Owning

The diesel returns respectable mpg for this segment, although keep a careful eye on whopping company car tax. Residuals are strong for the private buyer though, what with it being quite cheap in the first place and built to last.